BUILD JOY.
A Time to Explore
Welcome to our summer issue, Explore, where we hope to inspire you to slow down and live a little during these magical warm months in Colorado. This issue is dedicated to long morning road bikes, high-noon picnics, cool paddleboarding afternoons, happy hours on the patio.
This issue is dedicated to exploring, for trying new places and things, for trying old places and things, for getting lost, for listening to live music, for sitting outside with your morning coffee. Adventure and exploration doesn't have to be something big and crazy. But maybe it does. Go in search of it. And let us know what you find.
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Starbuck | Jennifer.Starbuck@CityLifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Sonja Nix | Sonja.Nix@CityLifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Lisa Lord
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Angie Jehu
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Blakewell, Sonja Nix
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abby Watkins, Paul Versluis
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
inside the issue
Lighthouse Rock Formation, Palo Duro Canyon, Texas
Photography: Travel photographer Simanta V. Mahanta pursues images that communicates mood, atmosphere, and surrealism. Originally from India, the U.S.-based photographer is on a quest to visit all national parks. Follow along on Insta @simexposure.
city scene
Olive Juice Beauty Bar hosted its grand opening and ribbon-cutting VIP reception at its new location near Highlands Ranch Parkway and University Boulevard. Live music, charcuterie, and wine welcomed guests into a beautiful new space, specializing in manis/pedis, facials, massage, and other spa treatments. Included in the treatments is an amazing view of the front range mountains. 1: Live entertainment by Jeanette Streight 2: Owner and Partner Greg Mount and Jake Gaulrapp 5: Roxanne and Greg Mount with Heather Taylor of Impact Commercial Real Estate 6: The team at Olive Juice Beauty Bar
Photography by Angela Kleinsasser
8—9: Nonprofit YANA (You Are Not Alone) hosted Mom-Mosas for Mamas to raise funds for their Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies program on May 9 at The Village Workspace. Mrs. Colorado Americana 2023, Natalie Oliver-Atherton, MC’d the event, and Scott, Ashleigh, and Lenny Leader spoke about how the program saved their family. 11: Kortney Swift, Nicole Steranka, Kimberly Darnell, Stephanie Sikora 12: Danielle Coursey with Box of Love Colorado 13: Lisa Land with Bubbles and Brews 14: Lisa Land, Lisa Dispense, Stephanie Strauss, Tina Christensen On Wednesday, May 29th, Tina Christensen at The Agency hosted an open house for her listing on Skydance Drive in BackCountry. Box of Love provided handcrafted bites, and Bubbles and Brews served prosecco and margaritas from their vintage Piaggio mobile bar.
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF
Station Dental Castle Rock Welcomes New Dentist
Station Dental welcomes the newest member of its Castle Rock family, Dr. Kamran Waterman. With a biochemistry undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and a doctor of medicine in dentistry from Midwestern University College, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His treatment philosophy aligns perfectly with Station Dental's commitment to patient-centered, topnotch modern dentistry. When not transforming smiles, Dr. Waterman enjoys a round of golf and exploring the beautiful landscapes of Colorado with his loved ones.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Rides for Fallen Officer
DCSO Sgt. Dave Beyer participated in the Police Unity Tour cycling event during National Police Week in May. Cyclists traversed nearly 300 miles from New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C. to honor officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Team Colorado, which included officers from across the state, rode together under the motto "We Ride For Those Who Died."
Custom Decks Celebrates 28 Years
Custom Decks marked 28 years in business on June 1. At age 21, owner Dale Ervin founded Custom Decks with two things from his dad: a $500 loan and this advice: "To run a successful business, you’ve got to do what you tell people you’re going to do." That one-man operation is now a team of professionals building decks across four states. The cornerstone continues to be a commitment to keeping promises to customers on every project.
Photography courtesy of Dave Beyer
Highlands Ranch Travel Announces One-of-aKind Polar Cruise
Highlands Ranch Travel is honored to partner with PONANT Cruises and the Nordic Tourism Board for an exclusive travel event. Join us on Wednesday, July 31, from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at Maggiano's Little Italy in Englewood as we explore the unique polar offerings and smallship cruising of Scandinavia, Iceland, Norway, and beyond. Space is limited. Please RSVP by 5:00pm Tuesday, July 23 by calling the Highlands Ranch Travel office at (303) 791-2311 or via hrtvl.com/NordicEvent2024
Scan to read more
Owners Lasinda and Jimmy Crane with the Large Business of the Year award from the Douglas County + EDC Chamber.
OU R P I CKS
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Travel Agent
Highlands Ranch Travel hrtvl.com | 303.791.2311
One World Dive & Travel oneworlddive.com | 303.220.8282
Compass32 Travel compass32travel.com/about/ | 720.375.6986
Corrigan & Co. Luxury Travel Outfitters corriganluxurytravel.com | 312.775.2529
Travel Sense Co travelsenseco.com | 303.619.3578
Local Adventure
Colorado Motorcycle Adventures coloradomotorcycleadventures.com | 720.505.2030
A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatic Center a1scuba.com | 303.789.2450
K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities k1speed.com/denver-location | 720.726.1264
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
KuKu Campers USA kukucampers.com | 855.250.5858
Ascent Fly Fishing ascentflyfishing.com | 720.580.9558
angie@couturevideos.com
A HIDDEN GEM ALONG OLD ROUTE 66 WORTHY OF THE DRIVE
Texas-Style Americana, Luxury Version
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“A must-see for lovers of nostalgic Americana.”
What happens when you mix Texas charm, iconic Cadillacs, the artistic eye of Georgia O’Keefe, the Old West, and a sprawling 120-mile canyon? The Texas Panhandle’s Palo Duro Canyon, y’all.
Never heard of it? Astonishingly, you’re not alone. Palo Duro, the second largest canyon system in the United States, lives in relative obscurity despite its proximity to the Denver Metro Area. As a family who loves travel, I'm always on the lookout for nearby, drivable getaways.
A trip to the Panhandle of Texas isn’t on your bucket list? Hear me out on why it should be.
Spring break 2024, we packed up our family of seven: two adults, two adult-sized teens, a 10-yearold, and two furry family members for the seven-hour drive south. Just past Amarillo, Texas, we landed next to Palo Duro. Sharing the High Plains with eastern Colorado, the landscape felt familiar to our family of native Coloradans but also novel and fascinating.
When I say we landed "next to" Palo Duro, I mean literally on the rim of the canyon. You cannot stay any closer to the canyon without falling in.
We started our experience at Doves Rest Cabins, a guest cabin resort with a unique blend of rustic luxury and southern comfort. We were greeted with bubbly, both with and without alcohol, sweet treats for the humans and four-legged family members, along with commemorative champagne flutes to take home. Most Doves Rest Cabins are pet-friendly, ensuring our golden retriever, Gilligan, and Frenchie, Ginger, felt as welcomed and wrapped in luxury as we did.
Doves Rest Cabins owners John and Sharyn Means and manager Lindsey Jones provide concierge service equal to that found in five-star hotels, an amenity that rarely accompanies vacation rentals. Before we arrived, Lindsey arranged our horseback tour and a delightful massage in their hopi-style teepee. The white glove service included groceries stocked and waiting for us upon arrival.
The vacation rental resort has 20 cabins divided into three main areas over 40 acres. Many cabins are close together for group travel, while others seem miles away from anything else. This felt especially poignant in the crisp, clear night sky unadulterated
with metropolitan light pollution. We couldn’t see our hands in front of our faces, and the brilliance of the starry night above left us awestruck.
The main area, Tres Vientos, is a 30-acre compound with 11 different cabins with patios for outside seating. The compound also has a secure wildlife area with feeders and gated protection for both native animals and human visitors.
The Longhorn Ranch, also gated, sits on an open pasture where the longhorn roam. Here, you’ll find the four-bedroom farmhouse, Four Gables, and a cowboy-style ranch house called Rustlers Draw.
We stayed in one of the West Rim's seven cabins right on the canyon rim, most with hot tubs to enjoy the view. We were welcomed by Barbary sheep, also called aoudad sheep by locals. We found them charming, if not a bit curious. They were introduced in the 1940s from Africa as big game and have reproduced at such a fast rate that some consider them to be invasive.
Other local inhabitants, Texas’ famous longhorn cattle, bobcats, deer, rabbit, and too many songbirds to list, can be seen in the mornings and evenings, surely viewing the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets over the canyon.
Artist Georgia O’Keefe taught at West Texas A&M University in the nearby town of Canyon from 19161918 before heading to her better-known home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She described Palo Duro's color as “a burning, seething cauldron, almost like a blast furnace full of dramatic light and color.”
Beyond the comfort of Doves Rest, the area offers a plethora of opportunities to entertain children and adults alike. From hiking and a quickly growing mountain biking community to horseback riding and wildlife spotting, there's something for everyone.
Perhaps the best-known roadside attraction in the area, Cadillac Ranch, features 10 Cadillacs perched nose-deep into the earth. The brainchild of 60s artist collective Ant Farm and late eccentric Amarillo millionaire Stanley Marsh III, the installation commemorates the golden age of automobiles along Route 66. Originally buried with their factory paint, these land yachts are now an interactive installation. Where else can teens legally spray paint while contributing to the artistic outcome?
The brilliance of the starry night above left us awestruck. “ ”
Next on our list was a visit to the Jack Sizemore Traveland RV Museum. If ever there was an idyllic, kitschy road trip stop, this is it, and we loved it. Full of vintage trailers, including the semi-famous bus Robin Williams drove in the aptly named movie "RV," this is a must-see for lovers of nostalgic Americana. Our kids loved seeing the inside of these bygone trailers, imagining life on the open road before plane travel became so accessible.
The highlight of our trip was the horseback ride with Palo Duro Riding Stables. Owned and operated by Jesse and Kristin Sorenson and assisted by cowpokes Kodi Jo and Kash, PDRS guides pilgrims and cowboys alike onto their beloved land into the canyon. The Sorenson family
has owned and managed this land for three generations. Jesse and Kristin now have put their special touch on running the stables, from their old-timey western outfits to personally selecting and introducing the horse each rider will sit atop. Our ride down into the canyon was narrated with canyon history, geology, generational family stories, and modern-day cowboy living.
And then there’s the Canyon itself. While Palo Duro is the second-longest canyon in the United States, unlike the Grand Canyon, this natural wonder is 800 feet deep, making the bottom of the canyon easily accessible. Hiking and mountain biking trails lead to breathtaking geologic rock formations like the Lighthouse and Sad Monkey.
According to the Texas State Historical Society, “The steep sides of Palo Duro Canyon consist of bright, banded layers of orange, red, brown, yellow, grey, maroon, and white rocks that represent four different geologic periods and a time span of more than 240 million years. Fossils of long-extinct animals and plants have been found embedded in the rock layers.”
We primarily hiked the bottom of the canyon, intrigued by the beauty of the sheer canyon walls. The kids loved trekking up to the "Big Cave." We never made it onto the most popular site, the Lighthouse Trail, as distractions pulled our attention on our way there.
Next time, we’ll spend more time in the charming town of Canyon. It is home to West Texas A&M and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum on its campus. Canyon’s Main Street is home to restaurants, coffee shops, a bakery, a used bookstore, and, while not officially on Main Street, Creek House Honey Farm. My husband and I did sneak away to experience Honey Buzz Winery’s mead (honey wine) flight and accouterments.
We also look forward to visiting the Pioneer Amphitheater, nestled into the basin of the Canyon. On summer nights, they stage The One and Only Texas Outdoor Musical, Shakespeare in the Canyon, and patriotic fireworks shows.
The Texas Panhandle isn't entirely the South or the West. Instead, we found it to be an appealing mix of southern gentility and the Wild West's rugged individuality. The area has been home to the nomadic Comanches, Spanish explorers, pioneers, cowboys, ranchers, and even some industrialists, truly a microcosm of America itself.
It's easy to dismiss Amarillo and the surrounding area as just another pit-stop along a worn-out Route 66. But I caution you: You will miss a nearby hidden gem. It is rustic, kitschy, luxurious, and charming all in one.
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas Mountain biking, hiking, camping, glamping tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon
Where to stay:
Remote Glamping: Doves Rest Cabins dovesrestcabins.com
City Luxury: The Barfield boutique hotel in downtown Amarillo thebarfield.com
Where to eat:
OHMS Cafe & Bar, downtown Amarillo ohmscafe.com
Crush Wine Bar & Grill, downtown Amarillo crushamarillo.com
Creek House Honey Farm and Honey Buzz Winery, Canyon creekhousehoneyfarm.com
Mickey's Place, Canyon mickeysplacetx.com
Surrounding attractions: Cadillac Ranch visitamarillo.com/listing/cadillac-ranch Jack Sizemore Traveland RV Museum rvmuseum.net
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Canyon panhandleplains.org
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Amarillo aqha.com/museum
Local Tourism Boards: Canyon canyontx.gov/35/Visiting Amarillo visitamarillo.com
Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time.
To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.
1501 West Mineral Avenue, Suite 100 Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
ARTICLE BY LISA BAKEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS
FOUR ELEMENTS LANDSCAPECREATING YOUR OWN OUTDOOR OASIS
I love my cozy home, but I adore my backyard---especially in the summertime! It’s my oasis, my haven for serenity, birdwatching, barbecuing, gardening, entertaining, fire sitting, stargazing---you name it. To say I love my backyard is an understatement. So when I was asked to write this article featuring Four Elements Landscape & Outdoor Living (fourelementslandscape.com), in Littleton, Colorado, I was thrilled. John Van, its President, and his team are the perfect resource for creating a sanctuary of your own.
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John and the Four Elements team have curated and developed a “strong passion for nature’s beauty,” as well as “a determination to reflect the elements of that beauty” in its clients’ landscapes. This is priority one for John. “Our clients... enjoy spending time outdoors all year round... so whether it’s a small patio with a fire pit or a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and pool, [our clients] view the outdoors as an extension of their home.”
Commitment to innovativeness and quality workmanship are also top priorities, which are clearly reflected in client reviews. For example, client Marcia Littleton loves recommending Four Elements to all of her friends. “When I purchased this house,” she shares, “the yard was completely out of control—overgrown. It was horrible, and overwhelming.
“John designed an oasis for me... he transformed the yard into a mountain scene unlike anything I have ever seen... The neighbors couldn’t believe what he was able to do in just a few days... His crew comes in and removes all existing landscape and transforms it before your eyes. They work hard, clean up after themselves, and are always very polite...”
Rick Kimble, Association President of Glenn Oaks Townhouse Owners Association couldn’t agree more. “As a small HOA, finding the best contractor to replace timber walls, brick retaining walls, railing and steps in our complex was a challenge... We could not be more pleased with the price and workmanship... Four Elements... has completed several projects for the association since 2010... They have now taken over our landscaping maintenance and snow removal.”
Ready to create that backyard oasis or refresh your curb appeal? Visit Four Elements Landscape & Outdoor Living at fourelementslandscape.com or call them at (303) 346-0837 to take the first steps.
Outdoor projects are intimidating. Let John and his team put you at ease!
The Four Elements team prides itself on understanding the most minute project details since beginning as a small family business. “We have firsthand knowledge [of] what materials work best for the project—and hands-on experience on [creating] high-quality projects that meet the client’s needs and wants—and still stay within budget.” Plus, John shares:
• “With our quality workmanship, our patios last for years without any issues.
• We have a team of artisans [who] can craft any retaining wall out of various types of materials.
• We are Coloradans, so we understand the weather here.
• We can design outdoor kitchens that can be used all year round.”
Al Fr es co STYLE
Spending time outdoors and enjoying friends and family over good food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. From the fresh flower arrangements, produce, and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wildflowers. We arranged a beautiful medley of Queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, feverfew, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms. We love a good home-cooked menu mixed with a signature drink, so we paired our meal with a delicious craft cocktail. Buttermilk brined fried chicken was a must for this outdoor party. A delicious peach bread pudding with salted vanilla caramel cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat. We wanted to share a few of our favorite recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
FARM-TO-TABLE ENTERTAINING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS
Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
Dried spice mix
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
Buttermilk Brine
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
Dredge
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Whole cut up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
To cook
• 4 cups shortening
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken. Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well. Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!
Peach Bread Pudding
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
El Ahumado
“Spanish for Smoky”
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce aperol
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup
• 1 spritz of Mezcal
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.
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WEDNESDAYS STARTING JULY 10TH
The Highlands Ranch Mountain Bike Series
Red Tail Park, 2674 Pemberly Ave., Highlands Ranch | 6:00 PM
The Highlands Ranch Mountain Bike Series takes in the pristine Backcountry Wilderness Area on Wednesdays, each consisting of two 5- to 6-mile loops, total ascents of 766 to 856 feet, and a max elevation of 6,305 feet above sea level. July's circuits include the Highland Point Circuit, Rocky Gulch Circuit, and Badlands Circuit. Mountain bike racers of all abilities are welcome.
JULY 10TH
Herbs for Your Colorado Garden
Hudson Gardens & Event Center | 6:00 PM
Join herbalist Kirsten Dehmlow for a walk through the gardens to discover and discuss the herbs that grow there. After the garden walk, you’ll learn the Wise Woman method to create herbal honey and your choice of herbal oils to take home. Leave with recipes and growing tips for growing herbs in your own garden.
